FIMA Ch38: What Are You Looking At?

Although he was indeed very angry, he couldn’t resist wanting to get closer to this person.

Xie Jinzhao still slowly moved over: “What are you looking at?”

Gu Siyuan glanced at him: “I’m looking at the feedback from netizens after watching the variety show.”

Hearing this, Xie Jinzhao couldn’t help but feel a bit smug: “I read the comments; they seem to like me quite a bit.”

Gu Siyuan nodded: “You’re so cute; it’s normal for them to like you.”

“…” Xie Jinzhao.

How did things suddenly turn so pleasant?

He almost blurted out, since I’m so cute, do you like me?

Gu Siyuan turned his head to look at him again: “What do you think about the CP (couple pairing) between Jinzhao and Xi Shuang? Xi Shuang’s agent contacted me. He said they want to take advantage of the high public favorability right now.”

Xie Jinzhao was a bit confused by his train of thought and said blankly: “What do you think? I’ll follow your lead.”

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow, seeming satisfied with his response.

“Aside from during the airing of the drama due to character needs, as a young male star, it’s best not to have a real-life male-female CP at other times. You know how easily audiences take it seriously nowadays. If it’s a male-male CP, netizens mostly just take it as a joke, but with a male-female CP, especially for the male side, if not handled well, it can easily leave a bad impression as a player. I’ve researched this; there are already many cautionary tales.”

“Oh…” Xie Jinzhao nodded, then hesitated, looking at him with some doubt.

Seeing this, Gu Siyuan’s gaze turned cold: “What, you have a different opinion?”

Xie Jinzhao quickly shook his head.

How could he dare?

After hesitating for a moment, he asked softly: “Aside from Xi Shuang… did you see any others?”

Gu Siyuan paused for a moment, then lightly coughed: “Oh, you mean the one you just asked about, the one with me and you?”

Xie Jinzhao nodded, his eyes like spring water: “Did you really see it?”

Gu Siyuan nodded.

During the last part of the variety show, almost half the comments were about it. How could he not see it?

He lowered his eyes and said gently to Xie Jinzhao: “This CP benefits you without any harm. I’m not in the entertainment industry, so all the goodwill from CP fans will only be projected onto you and can also help you share the pressure from Xi Shuang’s side. I think… there’s no need to stop it.”

After listening, Xie Jinzhao blinked and stared blankly for a long time before raising his thumb in praise: “You… your thinking is so rational. So, this was your first reaction?”

Gu Siyuan nodded as a matter of course: “I’m your agent. It’s my duty to think for you and even to sacrifice my reputation for you.”

“…” Xie Jinzhao was completely speechless and slowly turned away.

Hmph, there was no answer from Gu Siyuan, so he decided to check Weibo. Didn’t he just see those CP fans saying they were going to create a super topic?

If reality doesn’t work out, can’t he find some fan content on his own?

Gu Siyuan stopped scrolling through his phone and glanced sideways at the slender figure beside him, narrowing his eyes.

He had always suspected that Xie Jinzhao’s feelings for Qi Run weren’t as the system described, but now he was slowly realizing that it seemed Xie Jinzhao had transferred those feelings to him?

So, Xie Jinzhao had fallen for him?

He never expected that one of his main methods of completing his mission in this world would be to sell his male charm?

…Although, Xie Jinzhao is indeed very good-looking and cute. Sometimes he wanted to hold him and cuddle.

However, not long ago, he had warned this guy not to fall in love…

His phone chimed a few more times; it was Xi Shuang’s agent pressing for a response.

Gu Siyuan lowered his head and decisively replied that Xie Jinzhao refused to fake a CP.

After replying, he clicked into the official Weibo account of the variety show “Who is the Adventure King.”

In each video clip, those featuring his name and Xie Jinzhao’s had the most views and comments.

Under the videos with his name, apart from a flood of “husband” and praise comments, viewers were always asking for directions, wanting to know his identity, if he had Weibo or other social media accounts, and how to follow him.

However, unfortunately, he had none of that.

Maybe when his company goes public, he might appear under a different identity, but until then, he had to stay low-key.

At this moment, Director Wang sent a message on WeChat.

He reminded them to go to bed early tonight because tomorrow at 8:12 in the morning was the best time calculated by the master, and everyone had to be on set before then to burn incense, pray for blessings, and start filming.

So, excluding the time for makeup and arriving on set, everyone had to be up by at least 7 o’clock.

Thinking about the start of filming tomorrow.

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes and clicked into Xie Jinzhao’s super topic, where joy was abound.

This was the happiest time for fans since Xie Jinzhao’s last drama ended.

Not only because they could see more of Xie Jinzhao, but because of this show, Xie Jinzhao’s previously poor public image seemed to have instantly turned around.

Weibo clips of Xie Jinzhao from the variety show had been reposted 70,000 to 80,000 times by passersby, and the comments were mostly laughing and finding Xie Jinzhao’s contrast cute.

On other short video apps, likes had already surpassed a million, and that was just tonight; by tomorrow, the goodwill would truly start to ferment.

Xie Jinzhao’s fans were also adept at adapting to the situation, instantly becoming the cutest beings on earth, politely guiding all the curious passersby about Xie Jinzhao.

Even when encountering a few trolls or antis, they didn’t argue or refute, but politely apologized and greeted them.

They were simply the most well-mannered user group on the internet, bar none.

However, even as Xie Jinzhao’s agent who was very supportive of his fans, Gu Siyuan knew this was only a temporary illusion.

The fan community was both adorable and annoying.

Gu Siyuan put down his phone and asked Xie Jinzhao: “How long has it been since you interacted with your fans?”

Xie Jinzhao looked up from the short videos, thought for a moment, and said: “Over two months. But since my debut, I’ve had a cold and aloof persona, so my fans are used to me not showing up often.”

Gu Siyuan said in a low voice: “Then, from now on, you should regularly post original Weibo updates or short videos to charm your fans?”

Xie Jinzhao, who was sitting cross-legged on the carpet, holding an iPad and watching fan-made compilation videos, was startled by Gu Siyuan’s shocking words, and the big device slipped from his hands and fell between his legs.

He screamed and jumped up.

Gu Siyuan, who was sitting next to him, was also startled. As a fellow man, who couldn’t understand this kind of disaster?

He quickly pulled Xie Jinzhao onto his lap and reached out to touch the injured area, looking unusually anxious: “How is it? Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?”

Xie Jinzhao froze.

It wasn’t because of the pain, but because he didn’t expect Gu Siyuan to do something like this.

Imagine being touched like this by the person you like—his face turned bright red, and he couldn’t help but react.

Feeling the reaction under his hand, Gu Siyuan slowly withdrew his hand, glancing at Xie Jinzhao’s legs, and said in a leisurely tone: “It seems there’s no problem; the response is still quite quick.”

“…” Xie Jinzhao’s face instantly turned red.

It’s not my fault, it just happened.

I can explain, do you believe me?

“Heh…” Gu Siyuan looked at the person in his arms, who had turned stiff as a statue, and couldn’t help but laugh softly.

A few days ago, he had acted so mature and flirted with him, but now, without any real action, he was like this…

Xie Jinzhao didn’t want to talk. He hugged his face with both hands and weakly leaned into Gu Siyuan’s arms, his face pressing against the firm, warm chest, and subconsciously rubbed against it.

He decided to be a koala in Gu Siyuan’s arms today; no one could make him get up, and no one could separate them.

After a while, Gu Siyuan reached out and pinched the white, slender back of Xie Jinzhao’s neck. “Did you hear what I just said?”

Xie Jinzhao leaned against him, muffled, “Flattering the fans? You know how to flatter fans?”

Gu Siyuan looked down at the cute cowlick on his head but his words were still cold: “One should love what one does. I have carefully studied the current fan culture.”

Xie Jinzhao still pressed his forehead against his chest but extended a thumbs-up from the gap: “Very impressive!”

To be an agent and do it like writing a thesis, impressive people are probably like this.

“Tomorrow is the start of filming for ‘Jinyi Yujing.’ With so many reporters on site, the news of you starring will definitely spread.”

Gu Siyuan continued, “The investment and team for this drama are not on the same level as what you’ve done before. Others’ snide remarks are one thing, but your fans will probably be very upset.”

Xie Jinzhao finally looked up, gazing at Gu Siyuan from within his embrace. Even from this unflattering angle, Gu Siyuan’s handsomeness remained flawless, his features appearing even more profound and sharp due to the closeness.

He looked at him and asked, “So, you just told me to go online and flatter the fans to soothe them?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression didn’t change: “The downgrade in resources is real, and a vague Weibo post won’t truly soothe the fans. It’s just to convey an attitude, showing that you actually care about them and are willing to communicate.”

“Oh.”

Xie Jinzhao nodded.

But after responding, he remained silent for a long time, his gaze distant, lost in thought.

Gu Siyuan narrowed his eyes: “You don’t want to?”

“It’s not that…” Xie Jinzhao sighed, rubbing his head in frustration before speaking, “I just feel, isn’t this too sneaky of me?”

Gu Siyuan seemed to instantly understand his train of thought.

He lifted his hand, gently patting the slender waist of the person in his arms, coldly saying, “Get down.”

“…” Xie Jinzhao was incredulous.

Seriously?

Just because of one unsatisfactory remark, he’s not allowed to sit on his lap or lean against his chest?

“Hurry up,” urged the voice above him.

Xie Jinzhao was genuinely annoyed. He first glared fiercely at Gu Siyuan, then, driven by a sudden impulse, he reached out and groped the firm chest muscles several times.

Before Gu Siyuan could react, he jumped away like his butt was on fire.

“…” Gu Siyuan.

What’s with the young people today?

Gu Siyuan, with his long arms and legs and great strength, easily pulled the guy who had just jumped away back in a few moves.

A thin cushion had somehow appeared on the spot facing him. Gu Siyuan placed him there and coldly said, “I made you get off me to give you a lesson.”

“Oh…”

Xie Jinzhao, hugging his knees, shrank on the cushion, now thoroughly blushing from head to toe.

Is there anything more embarrassing in the world? How did he end up seeming like the most desperate person ever?

Gu Siyuan looked at him and said, “From now on, put away those nonsense thoughts, look at me, and let’s talk seriously.”

“Oh.” Xie Jinzhao immediately widened his eyes.

Gu Siyuan coldly gazed at him: “You think soothing the fans is sneaky, but that thought is truly stupid and unfair to your fans.”

Xie Jinzhao huffed, pouting, “Then explain it to me?”

Gu Siyuan sneered, asking, “You should be very grateful to your fans for where you are now, right?”

Xie Jinzhao nodded without hesitation.

He knew himself well. He was indeed good-looking, but his acting… Although Gu Siyuan said he had talent, talent is talent, reality is reality, and currently, he’s just average.

In this industry, many people act better than him, but they get fewer resources and money. Much of what he has is brought to him by his fans.

Gu Siyuan continued to ask, “Have you thought about how to repay this affection? By chatting with them often, getting close to them, or by producing good works?”

Xie Jinzhao straightened up: “Of course the latter. I want to be someone they can be proud of…”

Gu Siyuan coldly said, “If that’s the case, your previous thoughts of using them are foolish. Because of the information asymmetry, many choices you made, although the best at the time, were unknown to the fans, so there would inevitably be various dissatisfactions. Even if it’s not about ‘Jinyi Yujing,’ there will be others in the future.”

“In such times, no matter what happens, you should never remain silent. You shouldn’t treat it as manipulation or anything else because they long to know your thoughts and receive your response. You are their anchor; you should comfort them and guide them correctly.”

Xie Jinzhao blinked, slowly saying, “I just worry that even if I speak, the result still won’t satisfy them.”

“Since they chose to be fans of a celebrity like you, it’s clear they don’t fear waiting or a single disappointment. They fear endless waiting and perpetual disappointment.”

“Your silence is what truly hurts them. It’s both foolish and sneaky.” Gu Siyuan seriously said, “So, as long as you’re not making them fight for you, appropriate communication and guidance at other times are not manipulation but… love and care.”

After hearing his explanation, Xie Jinzhao finally said, “Gu Siyuan, it’s a pity you don’t work in pyramid schemes…”

Gu Siyuan snorted, “How much can a pyramid scheme company make in a year? I earn much more than that. Do you think I’d be interested?”

“…” Xie Jinzhao.

Alright, you’re impressive!

Everything went exactly as Gu Siyuan predicted.

The next morning, after the opening ceremony photos of ‘Jinyi Yujing’ were spread by the media and various marketing accounts, Xie Jinzhao’s fans were in an uproar.

At first, they didn’t believe it, thinking it was photoshopped by haters, but when even the opening ceremony videos were released, there was no way to deny that it was Xie Jinzhao.

The day before, his obedient and soft image seemed like an illusion.

Fans of all sizes revealed their true colors, directly mentioning the company and manager on their own Weibo accounts to criticize.

Words like “useless,” “freeloader,” and “your mom is dead” were flying everywhere.

Not only that, they flooded the official Weibo of Xie Jinzhao’s former company, almost occupying every recent comment they posted.

Upon seeing this, Xie Jinzhao’s former company quickly issued a statement, stating that their contract with Xie Jinzhao had expired recently, and they wished him well in the future.

At this moment, a verified account named “Xie Jinzhao Studio” appeared and reposted this brief announcement, first expressing gratitude to the former company, then stating that all matters concerning Xie Jinzhao from now on would be managed by the studio.

This simple action managed to quell the fans’ anger somewhat.

Xie Jinzhao’s former company was purely a music idol company, providing almost no help in terms of film and television resources to Xie Jinzhao. Moreover, they often delayed Xie Jinzhao’s opportunities, leaving the fans deeply resentful and long-brewing.

Even every year, no matter what festival he wished for, the first thing was for Xie Jinzhao to quickly terminate his contract with the broken company.

This time, the dream suddenly came true, which was truly an unexpected surprise.

If it weren’t for the filming of “Jinyi Yujing” before, fans would probably have already started reposting draws on Weibo.

However, some people still questioned.

Leaving the dog company is a good thing, but how come the resources didn’t increase but instead decreased?

What kind of crappy setup is “Jinyi Yujing”?

How does it match Xie Jinzhao’s status?

At this moment, a fan explained, “This ‘Jinyi Yujing’ might not just be a breakup scene with the dog company, right? From project approval to filming, it takes at least four to five months or even half a year. They must have been in talks long ago.”

“It’s very likely. I remember before, those idols and flowers were forced to either promote newcomers or help the company digest its stockpile of bad IPs before leaving.”

“Definitely. This production crew must have paid a lot of money. The trash company is all about money, not about the talent.”

“I told you so. They criticized the trash company before, but they didn’t take any action to support Xie Jinzhao. It seems deliberate, trying to suppress him before leaving, hoping to force him to renew the contract.”

“It would be best if the dog company closed down early. Fortunately, Xie Jinzhao left.”

At this moment, another fan said, “I researched ‘Jinyi Yujing’ and found out it’s only filming for a hundred days. Three months will pass quickly. If it doesn’t work out, just pretend it doesn’t exist!”

“Yes, now that he’s opened his own studio, he’ll be free to choose his roles in the future. Let’s just pretend this one doesn’t exist.”

“Before, for every new film, Xiaozai would celebrate on Weibo. This time, there’s nothing. He must not be happy about it either. He was probably forced into this film. Who knows how difficult it is for him!”

“Yes, Xiaozai has already been through a lot being forced into this. He doesn’t deserve to be ridiculed for a decrease in resources. We fans shouldn’t blame him anymore.”

“Yeah, we need to support him.”

Without any other guidance, the fans themselves imagined a scenario, which was quite exciting.

“No, I’m not reassured. I still need to supervise under the studio. Even though it’s a crappy production crew, the ancient costume design still needs to be done well. Otherwise, those cheap haters will come out to mock him with screenshots later.”

“That makes sense. I’ll go supervise the makeup and costumes. The rest of the time, just pretend it doesn’t exist. After all, three months will pass quickly.”

“Yes, I’ve waited four years for Xiaozai to leave that trash company. Am I supposed to be afraid of waiting these three months?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

In an instant, Xie Jinzhao’s fans switched battlefields, rushing directly to the newly launched studio.

Young girls instantly transformed into experienced managers, giving various instructions to the studio.

For example, paying attention to costume design, keeping up with the trends on various forums to counteract criticism, and taking good care of their Xiaozai, even hiring a nutritionist.

In addition, like other celebrities, Xie Jinzhao’s fan group also had a few who wrote essays or boasted extensively.

This time, they played a huge role, writing lengthy essays.

First, the texts vividly described Xie Jinzhao’s predicament; then they comforted the scattered fans, telling them to stay calm and trust Xie Jinzhao; finally, they arrogantly tagged Xie Jinzhao Studio, warning them about how things should be done in the future, otherwise their whole family would suffer.

All this happened within just a day.

The day’s smooth shooting at the film and television city ended.

In the evening, when Gu Siyuan accompanied Xie Jinzhao back to the hotel and went in to take a shower, he logged onto the studio’s Weibo and took a look.

As soon as he opened it, there were continuous notification sounds. There were tens of thousands of unread messages, including fan private messages, comments, and insults.

He frowned and decided not to look at any of them.

He logged out of the studio’s account and switched to a small account he had previously bought. Then he started searching for the studio’s name and ID, wanting to pick out a few with the highest likes and views to read.

Hmm, there were quite a few.

And they were all lengthy essays written by fans. Some accounts frequently appeared when he searched Xie Jinzhao’s name, so he was already familiar with them.

However, these essays were well written. The clear thinking in each one was wasted not being used for writing papers and materials.

They were all talented individuals.

Gu Siyuan was quite satisfied with the subsequent developments. The reason he hadn’t announced the establishment of the studio earlier was for moments like this.

When the fans exploded emotionally, there was a buffer.

He continued scrolling down.

Suddenly, something interesting appeared. It was a Weibo post mentioning him and Xie Jinzhao. It had high repost and comment counts, but at first glance, there was nothing visible. It was just a blank white space.

According to the original Weibo post’s instructions, you have to click in, open the picture, keep scrolling down, and keep scrolling down to finally see the real content.

Gu Siyuan was really curious.

Xie Jinzhao came out of the bathroom in a bathrobe and saw Gu Siyuan laughing while holding his phone. The smile seemed helpless yet somewhat curious, much gentler compared to when he looked at him.

Truly annoyed, it seemed that a top-tier handsome man like him couldn’t compete with a broken phone.

Xie Jinzhao pursed his lips and quietly walked over, then suddenly spoke out, “What are you looking at?”